Lazio returns to Serie A action on Sunday, facing off against Genoa at Stadio Olimpico. The Biancocelesti enter the match with momentum from a successful Europa League campaign, but their domestic form will be tested as they aim to recover from a recent 1-0 loss to Juventus.
Also Read: Match Preview: Nice vs. Monaco – prediction, team news, lineups
Lazio’s European Form and Defensive Concerns
Lazio’s European performance has been stellar, capped by Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Twente, where goals from Pedro and Isaksen took advantage of an early red card for the Dutch side. Lazio has now topped their Europa League group, displaying impressive consistency.
Defensively, Lazio boasts a nine-game unbeaten streak at home, though they have allowed a goal in each of their last ten Serie A matches—a stat that coach Marco Baroni is determined to change this weekend.
Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is expected to return after a minor injury, and Taty Castellanos will likely head the attack. Unfortunately, center-back Alessio Romagnoli will miss out due to suspension.
Genoa’s Struggles and Injury Woes
Genoa arrives in Rome under pressure, sitting in the relegation zone and winless since August. Despite a hard-fought comeback to draw with Bologna last weekend—thanks to Andrea Pinamonti’s two late goals—manager Alberto Gilardino faces mounting challenges, particularly on defense. Injuries to key players, including goalkeeper Gollini and midfield anchor Milan Badelj, have added strain, with Genoa conceding 17 goals in eight games.
Genoa’s recent form has been a struggle, with three losses from their last four away games. Their injury-ridden squad may find it difficult to cope with Lazio’s potent attack, especially in the final stages when Genoa has been known to concede, having allowed a league-high 13 goals in the second half of matches this season.
Predicted Lineups
Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Rovella, Guendouzi; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos.
Genoa: Leali; Matturro, Vogliacco, Vasquez; Sabelli, Thorsby, Frendrup, Melegoni, Martin; Miretti; Pinamonti.
Lazio’s balanced attack and Genoa’s defensive vulnerabilities set up a challenging encounter for the visitors, with the Biancocelesti favored to claim victory by the final whistle.
